Sydney reunites with Kiwi counterparts
HMAS Sydney recently rendezvoused with HMNZ Ships Aotearoa and Te Mana in the South China Sea, replenishing fuel and stores before continuing her regional presence deployment through the Indo-Pacific region.
CAPTION: Members of HMAS Sydney (V) monitor the distance line during a replenishment at sea with HMNZS Aotearoa during transit through the South China Sea. Photo by Leading Seaman Lauren Pugsley.
Having sailed together to Hawaii in June for Exercise Rim of the Pacific, Sydney was back in company with her New Zealand counterparts to conduct the replenishment.
In the 15th replenishment activity of the deployment, Sydney conducted an underway replenishment at sea (RAS) and vertical transfer (VERTREP) by helicopter.
Sydney’s navigating officer Lieutenant Mollie Burns highlighted the importance of replenishing at sea.
“[During this] deployment we have replenished fuel, water, stores and victuals with supply ships from New Zealand, Canada and the United States, extending our endurance while remaining underway,” Lieutenant Burns said.
“On this occasion, we conducted a dual replenishment with Te Mana also refuelling, before closing up flying stations to receive stores by helicopter.”
Sydney replenishes fuel and water via a spanwire connected between the two ships, or stores via a jackstay between the ships.
Ships sail in close formation throughout, with bridge, seamanship and engineering teams closed up at their stations.
Stores can also be transferred by helicopter, with Aotearoa’s Seasprite delivering required supplies to Sydney.
“Today was our eighth replenishment with Aotearoa and it is excellent to operate with the Royal New Zealand Navy and catch up with some of our Kiwi mates,” Lieutenant Burns said.
“Between replenishments, exercises and cross-deck personnel exchanges, it is a good opportunity to say hello after time at sea.
“Every meeting is accompanied by the exchange of letters, coins and treats, which is always a highlight.”
She said the close relationship between the ships’ crews included frequent activities, training courses and exchange postings.
“It was special to sail alongside the navigator of Aotearoa, who I previously served as an officer of the watch with on HMAS Melbourne.”
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